University was like a bridge that connected us from one side of the world to another; a platform that would help us fulfill our dreams and prepares us to take charge in our lives. Everyone left with their own unique stories and memories that were captured along the way. No matter how long or how difficult it took for you cross this bridge to step into society, it eventually has an end to it. Graduation, at last; an event of a lifetime that all of us have waited for, has finally come.

For most of us, this might have been the most meaningful achievement we have done in our lives yet, but all is just a start onto something bigger and greater. Realising that time went by so fast, I can’t help but to think back to the days when we all first entered university, with dreams that carried and motivated us. Those days when we were prepared to one day become the best in our fields. As an active member of the York community, I enjoyed the fast-paced lifestyle that kept me busy. Until recently, my life has become rather quiet and slow. After a few months of unsuccessful job search and staying at home, I found myself adapting to this new pace and accepting this relaxed atmosphere, eventually embracing this dull, yet, peaceful life. For some reason, all those big dreams seemed somewhat courageous, but perhaps somewhat naive. I started asking myself why we work so hard. Why do we have to try to get anything else when the status quo is sufficient? Many times have I heard from people around me that they are happy with what they already have. They are rather satisfied with a simple job, enjoying their times with family and friends, living a normal and stress-free life. It reminded me of a restaurant that I often visited when I was still in school. Although the restaurant had an ordinary decor, the food was superb. Life could be just as good with a simple bowl of noodle every day. I’m completely convinced that if I were to give up now and forget about all my big goals, life could instantly become much easier. So why am I still trying so hard? Just as I thought I had discovered a new way of life, I found myself transforming slowly into the modern version of Macbeth; so brave and motivated, yet so wracked with my own insecurity and paranoia. Each one of us may have different reasons to pursue our own desires; perhaps for some the answer is quite simple and obvious. But for me, I just can’t imagine myself going into that same restaurant every time for the rest of my life. It’s that simple. No matter how great things may seem at a certain point, there would always be other things that are different, things that could be better. There are still so many things we haven’t done; so much potential unrealized. So many great people that we will never be able to meet without a great story of our own. The path to the top may be tough, but to stand above all and see the world from a different perspective could be priceless. That is why I have to keep moving and keep fighting, neither for wealth nor anyone else, but to constantly strive to see and create a bigger world and a better me.

People have different desires for their life. Some people may be just satisfied with simple life without stress, but other people may desire way more than this. If your goal of life is to become successful, then desires and hardworking are necessary to lead you there. People only live once, so the most important thing is to not leave any regrets. In order to achieve this you have to try hard first. But in the meantime we need to make sure that the thing we are aiming for is what we like to do. This is just my personal opinion, but I agree with what you have said, your words are pretty inspirable. :) thx